A nurse is caring for a client who is dying of metastatic breast cancer. She has a prescription for an opioid pain medication PRN. The nurse is concerned that administering a dose of pain medication might hasten the client's death. Which of the following ethical principles should the nurse use to support the decision not to administer the medication?

Fidelity

Veracity

Utilitarianism

Non-maleficence

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A. Fidelity: Fidelity refers to the duty to fulfill one's commitments and obligations. While important in nursing practice, fidelity is not directly applicable to the decision not to administer pain medication in this scenario.
B. Veracity: Veracity refers to truthfulness and honesty in communication. While it is important for the nurse to communicate honestly with the client and their family about the risks and benefits of pain management, the decision not to administer pain medication is primarily based on the principle of non-maleficence.
C. Utilitarianism: Utilitarianism is an ethical theory that emphasizes the greatest good for the greatest number of people. While pain relief may contribute to the overall well-being of the client, the decision not to administer pain medication in this scenario is more closely aligned with the principle of non-maleficence, as it focuses on avoiding harm to the individual client.
D. Non-maleficence: Non-maleficence is the ethical principle that emphasizes the duty to do no harm. In this situation, the nurse's primary concern is to avoid causing harm to the client. Administering pain medication to relieve suffering, even if it might hasten death, aligns with the principle of non-maleficence because the intent is to alleviate suffering and provide comfort to the dying client.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. BP (Blood Pressure): While monitoring blood pressure is important in assessing fluid status, a decrease in blood pressure may indicate inadequate fluid resuscitation rather than adequate replacement. Hypotension may suggest ongoing hypovolemia and the need for further fluid administration.
B. Weight: Weight may provide information about fluid balance over time, but it is not an immediate indicator of adequate fluid replacement during resuscitation. Changes in weight may lag behind changes in fluid status and may not reflect real-time fluid needs.
C. Heart rate: During fluid resuscitation for severe burn injuries, one of the primary goals is to restore intravascular volume and cardiac output. As fluid replacement improves, the heart rate typically decreases, reflecting improved perfusion and reduced sympathetic response.
D. Urine output: Urine output is another critical parameter to monitor during fluid resuscitation, but a decrease in urine output could indicate inadequate fluid replacement rather than adequate replacement.

Correct Answer is ["0.5"]

Explanation

Let's convert the digoxin dosage from mcg (micrograms) to mg (milligrams) and then divide it by the amount of digoxin per tablet to find out how many tablets are needed.

Steps to solve:

Convert digoxin dose from mcg to mg:
- We know 1 mg is equal to 1000 mcg.
- Digoxin dose (mg) = Digoxin dose (mcg) / 1000 mcg/mg
- Digoxin dose (mg) = 125 mcg / 1000 mcg/mg
- Digoxin dose (mg) = 0.125 mg
Calculate the number of tablets required:
- Number of tablets = Digoxin dose (mg) / Digoxin per tablet (mg)
- Number of tablets = 0.125 mg / 0.25 mg/tablet

Since the result is 0.5, we need to round to the nearest tenth.

Answer: The nurse should administer 0.5 tablets per dose.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is monitoring a client who was admitted with a severe burn injury and is receiving IV fluid resuscitation therapy. The nurse should identify a decrease in which of the following findings as an indication of adequate fluid replacement?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who has heart failure and a prescription for digoxin 125 mcg PO daily. Available is digoxin PO 0.25 mg/tablet. How many tablets should the nurse administer per dose? (Round the answer to the nearest tenth. Use a leading zero if it applies. Do not use a trailing zero.)

Correct Answer is ["0.5"]

Explanation

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